Facebook Fraud, iPhone Scam Top Northampton Township Police Report

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Northampton Township Police Department handled 20 criminal incidents during the period of Aug. 22-28, including a Facebook Marketplace fraud case and an iPhone scam.

In its police blotter for that period, police responded to six traffic accidents, four fraud incidents, a theft, a hit-and-run and two DUI cases.

They also handled: 13 alarm calls; 10 abandoned 911 calls; 43 medical calls; 4 domestic calls; 19 booking calls and 61 traffic monitoring details.

08-22-22

• Theft —Patrol responded to the St. Leonard's Ball Fields for a report of a theft. Complainant states that they had left a black belt bag with white lettering on it on a bench, when they returned just a few minutes later it was gone. A man who had sold a bike through a sale site was still on scene and tried to call the phone for the complainant but it was off. The individual who had purchased the bike had already left the scene. No further information was available.
• Hazardous Conditions —Patrol responded to Elm Avenue for a report of a tree in the roadway. Upon arrival, a tree was down across Elm at the intersection of Cameron. DPW was contacted and removed it from the roadway.
• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to East Bristol Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 was traveling on West Bristol Road when it struck the rear of Unit #2. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

08-23-22

• Attempted Fraud —Complainant came into headquarters to report an attempted fraud. The complainant states that they were contacted online by a person who claimed to be interested in buying the rights to a photograph on the complainant’s Instagram page. The complainant agreed and was sent two checks, both of which, after attempting to deposit, the complainant realized were fraudulent. The complainant was not out of any money but wanted to advise the police of the scam.
• Juveniles —Patrol responded to a parking lot on 2nd Street Pike for a report of 30-50 juveniles hanging out in the parking lot. Upon arrival, Patrol spoke with the juveniles. They were advised to clean up after themselves and leave the area.
• Hit & Run Accident —Patrol responded to Almshouse and Jacksonville Roads for a report of a hit and run accident. Unit #2, states that while traveling on Almshouse Road near Jacksonville Road, a white box truck, Unit #1, made a left turn in front of Unit #2. Unit #2 was unable to avoid a collision with the rear bumper of the box truck. Following the collision, Complainant pulled over to the side of the road, but Unit #1 continued traveling last seen on Jacksonville Road.

08-24-22

• Criminal Mischief —Patrol responded to New Road for a report of criminal mischief. The complainant reports that for the last three to four months, someone has been throwing alcohol bottles on their lawn three to four times a week. A check for surveillance cameras was negative. The complainant requested additional patrols.
• Arrest —While on a traffic stop, patrol was advised by Bucks County Radio the individual who was stopped had an active arrest warrant out of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. The individual was taken into custody, processed and transported to Bucks County Prison.
• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Almshouse Road and 2nd Street Pike for a report of two vehicle. Unit #2 was traveling on Newtown Richboro Road, towards Almshouse Road, when Unit #1 turned in front of Unit #2. Minor injuries were reported and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• Hit & Run —Patrol responded to Newtown Richboro Road and Titus Avenue for a report of a hit and run. The complainant states that they observed an orange truck strike a vehicle while attempting to merge left and drive away. The vehicle which was struck drove into the neighborhood. Patrol was able to locate the damaged vehicle, in the adjacent neighborhood and the driver indicated that they were struck by an orange truck that drove off. The vehicle sustained damage to its bumper and fog light.

08-25-22

• Fraud —Patrol responded to North Friesland Drive for a report of an attempted fraud. The complainant states they were contacted by A T & T regarding a possible fraud. An unknown person attempted to access their account to purchase two Apple iPhones. The purchases were to be delivered to an address unknown to the complainant. The complainant did not suffer any monetary losses.
• Fraud/Theft — Patrol responded to Plumly Way for a report a theft complaint. The complainant states they made an agreement with an unknown juvenile to trade/sell bicycles. At the time of the trade, the unknown juvenile did not have the money with them. The complainant agreed to go through with the trade/sale, with the agreement they would meet later that day with the money. The juvenile failed to show up and has not responded to any of the complainant’s attempts to contact them.

8-26-22

• DUI —Patrol responded to Grenville Circle for a suspicious male with a motorcycle. Contact was made with the individual, who appeared to be highly intoxicated. The individual was taken into custody for DUI. They were processed, where it was determined there was an outstanding arrest warrant. The individual was transported to Bucks County Prison on the arrest warrant.
• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to a parking lot on 2nd Street Pike for a report a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 while reversing out of a parking spot, struck the rear bumper of Unit #2. Minor damage to both vehicles, neither requiring a tow.
• Fraud —Complainant came into police headquarters to report an attempted fraud through Facebook Marketplace. Complainant states they received an inquiry for something they were selling on the site. An agreement was made with payment to be made through “Zelle” and arrangements made for pickup. The Buyer then stated they paid an extra $200 by mistake and needed the complainant to send back that money. The complainant reports the money was never received and the account of the “buyer” was fake. The complainant did not suffer any monetary losses nor did they provide any personal information.

08-27-22

• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to W. Bristol Road and Hatboro Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 while traveling on W. Bristol Road noticed traffic stopping but was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of Unit #2. Both vehicles were towed from the scene and injuries were reported.
• DUI Accident —Patrol responded to Bustleton Pike for a report of one vehicle accident. The vehicle was off the road into a ditch, causing damage to the property. On scene patrol found the vehicle, attempting to leave. The driver was placed under arrest for DUI. He was processed and released.

08-28-22

• DUI Arrest —While on patrol, officers observed a vehicle unable to keep in its’ lane of travel. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver appeared to be under the influence. The subject was arrested, processed and released with DUI charges pending.
• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to 2nd Street Pike for a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 states that while stopped on 2nd Street Pike they were struck in the rear by Unit #1. The operator of Unit #1 indicated they were in a hurry, left their information and left the scene. Minor damages were noted, and the operator of vehicle #2 reported neck pain but did not want medical help.
• Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Middle Holland and Jodie Roads for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was stopped at a red light, the light changed and Unit #1 struck the back of Unit #2. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene.